Supt. Cash says 126 city school workers to lose jobs

More than 120 Memphis City School employees will lose their jobs in the coming weeks to help the district meet a $41 million budget shortfall, Supt. Kriner Cash said in a letter Friday.

In the letter sent across the district, Cash called for a reduction of 126 employees to meet the adjusted budget plan approved by the Memphis School Board two weeks ago. While the plan calls for using $30 million from the schools' $66 million rainy day fund, it still included a budget shortfall of $41 million.

Union officials said Friday that some teachers will likely lose their jobs, but exactly who and how many will depend on updated enrollment figures released next week.

In addition to the layoffs, Cash said 208 vacant positions will be removed and the district will be under a hiring freeze. Purchase orders will also be more closely monitored.

"Never has the district had to face a budget situation this dire," Cash wrote.

This latest round of cuts stems from a Memphis City Council decision in June to cut more than $66 million from the district's budget.